Question:
I have a LED TV which is the best option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV?
2014-07-13 07:14:00 UTC
I have a Visio E-series Smart LED TV and am currently w/o cable or satellite based TV programming tried Huluplus and did not like it at all and need help with determining which of the following options would be the best and least expensive option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV programming

#1. Google Chromecast
is Google Chromecast compatible with my Visio E-series Smart LED TV and would Google Chromecast be the best option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV programming on my Visio E-series Smart LED TV

#2. "Rabbit ears" TV Antenna
can I use "Rabbit ears" TV Antenna with my Visio E-series Smart LED TV and would "Rabbit ears" TV Antenna be the best option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV programming on my Visio E-series Smart LED TV.

#3. Clear TV (advertised on TV)
can I use Clear TV (advertised on TV) is Clear TV(advertised on TV) the best option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV programming on my Visio E-series Smart LED TV.

#4. HDTV Indoor TV Antenna
Is an HDTV Indoor TV Antenna the best option for me to be able to watch local TV w/o cable or satellite based TV programming on my Visio E-series Smart LED TV.
Four answers:
Grumpy Mac
2014-07-13 09:31:30 UTC
Chromekey just opens you up to some free content and for-pay content (Netflix, HuluPlus, AmazonOnDemand, etc)



You might be able to use an antenna. But indoor vs outdoor? You need to check first.



Go to www.antennaweb.org and enter your address. It will show you a map of where the TV towers are around your home and what stations you might get with an indoor vs outdoor antenna.



If you decide to go with an antenna - Wineguard and ChannelMaster are respected names.



Hope this helps.
Chris
2014-07-13 08:01:01 UTC
Google Chromecast is compatible with any TV or monitor that has a HDMI input. Your TV will have a HDMI input, therefore the basic hardware compatibility will be fine.



Chromecast needs three other things to work: The first is a wireless connection to your home wireless router. Second, you need a decent internet connection; that means relatively quick speed 5-6 Meg or better and either an unlimited data plan or a high data allowance since you'll be streaming a lot of data. Third, you need a smartphone or tablet connected to the same wireless network so that you can "cast" what you see on the smart device screen to the Chromecast.



The one area where Chromecast falls down though is in live TV. Not many TV companies broadcast their TV output over the web at the same time as their live transmissions. There's also the question of rights management. Some content and TV shows are not allowed to be rebroadcast via the web due to regional restrictions. So, Chromecast works for pre-recorded content. But it's not a great choice for live TV.





So your best option is an antenna of some description. A roof mounted one would give the strongest signal and pick up the widest range of channels.



Indoor antennas: Whether it's the #2, #3 or #4 option, they're all dependent on the strength of the signal where you live and how strong that is in the room you plan to use the antenna. That's something you'll only find out by asking your neighbours what they use. Rabbit ears tend to be the lowest quality solution. They're only acceptable in areas where signal strength is very high.



'Clear TV' is just another version of an indoor antenna but the marketing plays on people's ignorance about TV reception. It's made out like you're somehow tapping in to a source of TV/HDTV signal that only this antenna can unlock.........that's total BS. It's just a TV antenna in a different shape. Don't fall for the hype. I notice that the price has been dropped from the ridiculous $50 each when it first launched to now $20. But there's a whopping $16 for S&H for each antenna and the delivery time is 3-4 weeks! Is that a joke? There are companies delivering Ebay goods from China in a week. How does Clear TV justify almost a month for delivery? The whole thing screams TV marketing con to me.



If I was you I'd go see the local TV antenna installers and see what they recommend. Buy something from them. They'll know what works and what doesn't. You won't end up wasting time and money on junk.





If this or any other response has helped then remember to vote for a Best Answer, thanks
John
2014-07-13 08:31:09 UTC
A small indoor antenna may be adequate (e.g., "rabbit ears", Clear TV, coat hanger w/balun). However, an indoor type antenna might not work well or at all at your location. Check the store's return policy for the antenna, if you choose to buy one.



The higher the location of your antenna, the more likely you are to get clear signals without interference. The closer your house is to the broadcast transmitter, the easier it is to receive a signal.



Most of the new digital channels are on UHF, but some stations in your area may be using VHF. You need to select an antenna that will receive the channels in your area. There are antennas designed to receive both VHF and UHF signals, and even one of the older antennas should work if the contacts and elements are clean and the coax is in good shape.



There are many things you can do, but first you need to read up on antennas. The source is a good start.
2014-07-13 07:31:48 UTC
Outdoor antenna with amplifiers available at radio shack. IF you live close to city where broadcasting. Close is eat. 30 -40 miles. :-)


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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